Shirley said: “When I fell I was in immediate pain and knew I had damaged my shoulder, but it never crossed my mind the fall would have such a long-term impact. I gave up my job to train as a National Trust gardener, but the pain from my injuries has now forced me to give up on my dream job. Nothing will replace what I feel I have lost due to this incident and I only hope my case acts as a reminder for employers to take safety seriously.”

The fall and injury in January 2012 set Ms Roberts back 18 months and she was forced to give up training to become a gardener due to the pain and left her position as a National Trust trainee in September 2012.

The settlement will be used to cover the impact the injuries have had on Shirley’s life.

Irwin Mitchell lawyer Kerry Hadley said: “This case shows the serious impact seemingly innocuous incidents can have on the day-to-day lives of those affected. The incident shows just how important it is businesses and contractors take their responsibility for health and safety seriously and not only protect their own employees, but also any members of the public.”